Strategic Merchandise Planner & Inventory Optimizer

Jobtailor; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a Merchandise Planner to develop and maintain financial plans by category, season, and store/channel, while forecasting sales, margins, and inventory targets. You will collaborate with buying and allocation teams to optimize assortments and distribution, driving profitability across channels.

The role requires strong data interpretation, advanced Excel, and a deep understanding of specialty retail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail.
• Strong ability to interpret data and forecast trends.
• Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior.
• Clear and collaborative communication across departments.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with planning tools such as JDA, SAP, or Oracle.
• Ability to balance short-term needs with long-term business goals.
• Experience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain merchandise financial plans by category, season, and store/channel.
• Forecast sales, margin, and inventory targets based on historical data and market trends.
• Collaborate with buying teams to build assortments aligned with brand strategy and customer demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies.
• Partner with allocation teams to optimize product distribution across stores and channels.
• Identify slow-moving items and propose markdowns, promotions, or reallocation strategies.
• Analyze sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI metrics.
• Prepare weekly/monthly business reviews and present insights to cross-functional teams.
• Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
• Work with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and store operations teams.
• Provide planning input for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store openings.
• Communicate inventory risks and opportunities to leadership.

Skills

Merchandise Financial Planning

Sales Forecasting

Inventory Management

Assortment Planning

Markdown Strategies

ROI Analysis

Business Review Preparation

Pricing Strategy Support

Omnichannel Retail Experience

Advanced Excel Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field

Tools

JDA

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Jobtailor seeks a Merchandise Planner to develop and maintain financial plans by category, season, and store/channel, while forecasting sales, margins, and inventory targets. You will collaborate with buying and allocation teams to optimize assortments and distribution, driving profitability across channels.

The role requires strong data interpretation, advanced Excel, and a deep understanding of specialty retail.